Jóvenes y crimen organizado desde un enfoque jurídico-preventivo

Abstract

This article presents a legal and preventative analysis that aims to identify why young people decide to join criminal groups. It employs a methodology that analyzes statistical data to contextualize the Ecuadorian reality experienced by many young people from childhood and adolescence—a reality that could be a fundamental reason for their involvement in criminal groups. The analysis also identifies how structural violence influences the problem, creating a significant gap between the law and its practical application, thus hindering the holistic development of individuals. Additionally, proposals were formulated to address the problem. The study concludes that the State contributes to the problem through its lack of attention to societal issues and should focus on preventing the problem at its root, providing the necessary support from childhood and adolescence to prevent future involvement with organized crime.